Oreshnik Missile

News: The Russia–Ukraine conflict escalated after Moscow confirmed the use of its Oreshnik hypersonic missile, marking the weapon’s first deployment since November 2024.

About Oreshnik Missile

• The Oreshnik missile is a hypersonic, nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile developed by Russia.
• The term “Oreshnik” translates to “hazelnut tree” in the Russian language.
• First Operational Use: Russia first deployed the Oreshnik missile in combat in November 2024 during a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
• Features:
  • Technological Lineage: The Oreshnik missile is based on the RS-26 Rubezh missile system, which was originally developed as an intercontinental ballistic missile.
  • Missile Classification: It is classified as an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of hypersonic speeds.
  • Speed Capability: The missile travels at hypersonic speeds of approximately 8,000 miles per hour, making interception extremely difficult.
    • The missile can travel at speeds of up to ten times the speed of sound.
  • Range: The missile has a demonstrated range of 600 to 1,000 miles, with assessments suggesting a maximum range of over 3,000 miles. 
  • Multiple Target Strike Ability: A key feature of the Oreshnik is its ability to strike multiple targets simultaneously, a capability usually associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles.
  • Warhead Capability: The Oreshnik missile is capable of carrying multiple warheads, including both nuclear and conventional payloads.
    • It can deploy up to six Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs).
  • Independent Targeting: Each MIRV can be independently guided toward separate targets, allowing a single missile to strike multiple locations simultaneously.
  • Advanced Flight Trajectory: The missile follows a steep ascent beyond the atmosphere and re-enters sharply, enhancing its survivability against air defence systems.
  • Low Intercept Probability: Its extreme speed, high-altitude trajectory, and multiple warhead deployment make it nearly impossible to intercept.